1964 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W113)

The second generation of Mercedes’ SL-Series, the W113, began with the 230 of 1963. Designed by Paul Bracq and sketched by Freiderich Geiger, it offered elegant simplicity within its compact proportions, the wide track and short wheelbase, with big steel wheels filling the arches, suggesting comfort rather than performance. The wonderfully crisp styling clothed a monocoque chassis equipped with all-round independent suspension, power-assisted disc/drum brakes, recirculating ball steering and a 2306cc straight-six engine of 150bhp and 145 lb-ft of torque mated to either a four-speed manual or automatic transmission. The car was an international hit for Mercedes-Benz throughout the 1960s and has retained lasting appeal with celebrities, musicians, retired Grand Prix drivers and enthusiasts alike. 

This lovely example was UK-supplied in 1964 with a manual gearbox, exported to Vancouver, Canada and re-patriated to the UK on the 8^th August 2014. Upon its return here it was treated to further restoration works in Glasgow, and the hard-top was also fully refurbished. A more powerful 2.8-litre engine from the 280SL has been fitted and performs well with the manual gearbox offering decent performance. Bought as a gift for our vendor's wife, the car has been regularly maintained, since 2016, by marque specialists The SL Shop in Warwickshire and the receipts on file amount to some £9,000 over a period of four years. 

Presented to auction in perhaps the best colour combination for a Pagoda and in superb order, with the leather soft and supple and the white paintwork gleaming. The odometer reading was some 34,300 miles, at the time of cataloguing, and the MOT is valid until November 2021. The detailed history file includes photographic evidence of the restoration and multiple invoices and receipts for work carried out.